In December 2007, Bayer MaterialScience projected that global polycarbonate (PC) demand would grow at an average annual rate of approximately 8% between 2010 and 2011, driven by an operating rate of up to 80%. This growth is expected to result in an increase of over 200,000 tons per year. To meet this rising demand, producers are expanding their production capacities, with about 300,000 tons/year of new capacity anticipated to come online between 2007 and 2008.
Despite the positive outlook, the PC industry is facing significant challenges. Key raw materials such as pure benzene and phenol, which are essential for PC production, remain costly. In 2007, several phenol plants experienced outages, leading to higher prices and supply disruptions. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see the strongest and fastest growth, with an annual growth rate exceeding 10%. Bayer plans to launch its second 100,000-ton/year PC production line in Shanghai by the end of 2008, with the exact start date dependent on market conditions, particularly in the optical media sector.
Sabic Innovative Plastics is currently assessing the possibility of producing PCs in Asia through its subsidiary, Sabic Kayan. The company's Resin Department confirmed that Sabic Kayan’s 262,000-ton/year PC facility in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, is under construction and is scheduled to begin operations in 2009.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Hanjin Petrochemical is set to complete its 65,000-ton/year PC plant in Yeosu by the fourth quarter of 2008. This $192 million investment marks the company’s first PC production unit.
In North America and Europe, PC demand grew at a slower pace, around 5% to 6% annually. However, Western Europe saw much slower growth compared to Eastern Europe. According to manufacturer analyses, the construction, automotive, and optical media sectors continue to drive rapid PC consumption. Additionally, PC/ABS blends used in green buildings and recyclable consumer goods are experiencing strong growth. Demand for flame-retardant products in consumer goods and IT applications, as well as for window glass in construction and automotive industries, remains robust.
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